Why do Boeing planes start and end with the number 7?

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Why do Boeing planes start and end with the number 7?


THERE’S the classic 747, the smaller 737 and more recently, the fancy 787 Dreamliner. And don’t forget the 757, 767 and 777.

So have you ever wondered just what’s with all the numbers 7s when it comes to Boeing aircraft models? Is there a method to the numbering “madness”?

Well, it turns out, yes. And according to Boeing, this is actually one of the most common questions they’re asked to this day.

Despite what you may have suspected, it’s not because they had an affinity for the lucky number 7. Another common myth is that they drew the name from the angle of the aircraft’s wing, RoadWarriorVoice.com reports.

But the truth actually lies in what could have been one of the greatest marketing suggestions of all time.

The good old 737 plane. Picture: Byeangel
The good old 737 plane. Picture: Byeangel

Boeing didn’t always use the 7—7 numbers — in fact it’s earlier aircraft had names like Model 40, Model 80, Model 247 etc. Not exactly as catchy.

After World War II, the company was restructured and each department was given a three-digit number. That’s when things got interesting.


A Boeing engine.
A Boeing engine.

Realising the name Model 700 didn’t exactly roll off the tongue, Boeing’s marketing department suggested the name 707 instead. And the pattern began — 727, 737 etc. It continues to this day, with the latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner models.

So there you have it.

The Boeing 737. Picture: Ivan Wong Rodenas
The Boeing 737. Picture: Ivan Wong Rodenas

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